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Dahal warns CM Raut not to ‘overtake’ federal government

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has asked the Province 2 government not to “overtake” the federal government, warning that it could derail the country from its journey towards federalism.

Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Co-chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has asked the Province 2 government not to “overtake” the federal government, warning that it could derail the country from its journey towards federalism.

Referring to the Province 2 government’s move to bring Provincial Police Act prior to the related federal law, Dahal has warned the provincial executive not to ignore the federal government that holds a two-thirds majority.

“There is no doubt that the formulation of federal law has been delayed. It will be a mistake to overtake the federal government which could lead to an accident. Don’t invite such accident,” said Dahal while inaugurating the provincial party office in Janakpur in the presence of Chief Minister Mohammad Lalbabu Raut.

Conflict between the federal and provincial governments had flared as the Provincial Assembly in Province 2 endorsed Provincial Police Act by suspending a provincial assembly regulation on October 13.

Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Lalbabu Pandit has already clarified that the Police Act of Province 2 cannot be implemented without the drafting of federal laws.

Following the inauguration of the provincial party office, the NCP organised a programme to exchange greetings on the occasion of Dashain, Tihar and Chhath festivals.

Dahal’s warning follows CM Raut’s address to the function where he had said the provincial government would move ahead by drafting necessary laws, claiming that the federal government did not cooperate.

According to the constitution, the federal government should come up with Federal Police Act and Public Service Commission Act to ensure the smooth functioning of Provincial Police Act.

“The federal government should bring the Police Act first,” said Dahal. “Bringing the Federal Police Act has been delayed because the government was busy endorsing other necessary acts related to the fundamental rights. No one can bring the act going beyond the constitutional provision. The move to bypass the constitution would be detrimental.”

Insisting that he was serious about the demands of the provincial governments, Dahal urged them not take steps in haste. “It would be foolish on our part to move ahead without giving a proper consideration. All our achievements would go waste,” he said. “I know you are in dire need of civil servants like other provinces, but some people wants federalism to fail.”

The former rime minister also warned that a separate Madhes would be betrayal to people there and their culture and identity. “The demands of Madhes will not be addressed through disintegration of Madhes from Kathmandu,” he said, adding that only unity could ensure prosperity, dignity, identity and rights of the Madhesi people.